WSJ backs N-deal as NYT continues to oppose it

New York, Mar 8 (UNI) While the New York Times continues its opposition to the US-India nuclear deal, the Wall Street Journal has welcomed the agreement concluded during US President George W Bush's visit to New Delhi last week.

The NYT, which had earlier described the deal as "misbegotten" in its editorial, said yesterday that the President should not have visited the subcontinent in the first place.

In contrast to the stance taken by the Times, The Wall Street Journal said the visit heralded a new democratic alliance.

The Times opined yesterday, ''The spectacularly misconceived trip may have inflicted serious damage to American goals in two vital areas, namely, mobilising international diplomacy against the spread of nuclear weapons and encouraging Pakistan to take more effective action against Taliban and al-Qaida fighters operating from its territory.'' The daily described the deal as "disastrously ill-timed" in view of the widespread international opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions. ''It undercuts some of the most powerful arguments Washington can make '', the newspaper said.

It also criticised Mr Bush's trip to Islamabad, saying Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has not been more aggressive in his stance against terrorists, based in his country. As Mr Bush has not granted the India-style nuclear status to Pakistan, Gen Pervez Musharraf faced an "unwelcome task" of explaining the same to Pakistanis.

''It's just baffling why Mr Bush travelled half-way around the world to stand right next to one of his most important allies against terrorists and embarrass him,'' the Times said, adding that ''Mr Bush should have just stayed home''.

The Journal, in its weekend editions, opined that the deal is the "most visible marker" of the alliance between the United States and India. It pointed out that the Bush administration, which lifted Clinton-era nuclear sanctions against India, has strengthened the bilateral relationship into a strategic alliance based on shared interests in democracy, globalisation and the war on terror.

''One thing is clear: the concerns posed by the agreement have little to do with the uses to which India puts the technology,'' the editorial said.

''India is a liberal democracy and a responsible power'', it added.

It proffered advice to both the United States and India to liberalise trade and investment regimes between them.

The newspaper asked Washington to remove tariffs on Indian textiles and restrictions on its agricultural products. New Delhi should reduce import tariffs and lift curbs on foreign investments in various sectors such as the news industry. The newspaper, through its parent Dow Jones, sought in recent years to launch an Indian edition of The Wall Street Journal.

''Let's hope that in the months and years ahead, the agreements forged this week will help India further shed its socialist past and open new opportunities for everyone,'' the editorial concluded.

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